Homeward Bound: Chinavare's Find Book Six - Part I: Chinavare's Find, #6

Chapter One: Departure.

Thursday, November 28 th , 2047

University Center, Ulrich

For Random, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday passed by in a blur. The routine each day was pretty much the same. A briefing by Colonel Elkins on the Regiment’s preparations. After the briefing, Random, Captain Thorn, Sureya, and either Miriam and Mikaela, or Geneive and Guiana, jogged for an hour around the compound.

When PT was finished, Random returned to the quonset and was given a briefing by the woman who was to head Rediscovery Corporation. He still didn’t remember her name. Random mostly listened to the reports, Eileen did the heavy lifting, grilling the woman with question after question. From what Random had been able to gather, the corporation and the provisional government were in good shape and operating soundly.

After the corporate officer’s briefing, Random and Sureya joined his mother to complete his relearning of the dance and ballad. On the first two days, they were joined by Eileen and Captain Thorn. On Wednesday, they were joined by his companions. Random was now quite aware of why the dance was a couples thing and why the ballad was a love song. Some of the dance moves and several of the lines of lyrics were more than a little suggestive. He found it a little awkward to dance with his mother and to sing the ballad to her. 

By the time Random was finished dancing, he was definitely ready for lunch. As he should have expected, lunch was never just quietly enjoying a meal. Each day, Random Sureya, and Eileen, were joined by the companions, Random’s Staff Officer, and one or more Servi, Human, or Eloran official.

Everyone wanted to know how the new structure was going to operate. They mostly wanted to be reassured that the Ulrich colony would remain largely the same. Random and Eileen both assured them that aside from a more robust financial presence, there would be little change.

A second topic that seemed to be on everyone’s lips was the arrival of the SSF-Offworld’s mission. They were there to have meetings with the Rediscovery people about setting up a judicial facility and an intelligence gathering facility. Director Nievas  had assured Random that nothing would be put in place without Random’s knowledge and approval.

The arrival of a construction team from UN Off-world also caused quite a lot of noise. Three of the team’s four engineers had refused to even consider Eloran and Servi construction methods. Undersecretary Bhatti responded by sending the recalcitrant engineers back to Omaha Station and requested three engineers with more accommodating views.

After lunch, Random had two classroom sessions. The first was to learn Servi mental compartmentalization techniques. The second was to study and practice Servi defensive skills. Like the Library’s classes, both of these lessons were, of course, conducted in the aos. 

It didn’t take long for Random to miss his sessions with Maxim. His friend tried not to embarrass him, most of the time. The classroom instructor seemed to relish the moments when he embarrassed his student. Unfortunately, those moments were becoming very frequent because the instructor was forging into skills that Random had yet to master.

In the aos or not, Random still came out of the defense techniques lessons feeling stiff and sore. There was supposed to be a break in his schedule after the classroom sessions, but it didn’t turn out that way. On Monday, he had visited with Madame Chairwoman al To-ok and reassured her that they would do everything possible to protect her precious daughter. He had no qualms about making the promise. He cared a great deal for Geneive. He also thought about what he would do to protect Carolyn. After a few glasses of wine, many tears, and a lot of hand holding, Chairwoman al To-ok relented. 

On Tuesday, he met with Ophelia. She and Olvir were very concerned about Random’s departure. He understood their concerns. They had reason to be distrustful of outsiders. To lesson their anxiety, Random asked Consul ul Ter to help sharpen the Library’s defensive systems. He also agreed to speak with Olvir about Avandal’s systems, even though Consul ul Ter didn’t believe the Academy’s systems needed improving.

On Wednesday, Colonel Elkins sat down with him and said, Sir, Captain Thorn has asked me to learn this dance and ballad.

Random replied, She could probably teach you. She’s becoming quite adept.

She wants your mother to teach me, sir. She specifically told me that I wasn’t to ask you for instruction, blushing furiously the whole time. Can you tell me what that is all about?

Random cleared his throat and said, The dance is a couples dance. Some of the moves are very suggestive. The ballad that accompanies the dance is a love song with some equally suggestive lyrics.

And you’ve been doing this dance with Gwendolyn?

Well . . . Yes. I’ve also been dancing it with my mother. I apologize if I have overstepped.

Colonel Elkins closed her eyes and shook her head slowly. That would probably explain why Gwen has been so insistent lately. You should know that she’s becoming quite fond of you.

Do you want to reassign her?

Honestly, no. I love what it’s done to our sex life She’s also provided me with a steady stream of information on things that I would otherwise not know anything about.

She tells you everything?

Yeah. Sometimes more than I want to hear. 

No doubt. What is it you want me to do, Colonel?

Could you ask your mother if she would be willing to teach me?

Sure. Why don’t you want to ask her?

It’s a little intimidating, knowing that she’s your mother.

I’ll try to talk to her about it tonight.

Thank you, sir.

Random decided not to wait until evening. He went and found Guinaheir and asked her if she would be willing to teach the dance and ballad to Colonel Elkins. His mother’s response was, I would be happy to teach her. I’ll talk with her and arrange a time. Why didn’t she ask me herself?

She finds it a little intimidating because you’re my mother.

Blessed Creator! I do not bite.

I know that, Mother, but I am her CO and you are my mother.

Sometimes all this military nonsense is just silly.

It often appears that way, Mom. Eileen, Carol, and Sarah fell much the same about the constant need for honorifics. What seems silly to one is part of the culture to another.

Guinaheir put her hands on her hips and looked down her nose at him, replying, I do not need a lecture, Son, and I am well aware of how Eileen, Carol, and Sarah feel about the honorifics. When Random didn’t respond, she rapped her foot on the floor, somewhere between a tap and a stomp. Very well. I will talk with your Colonel after evening meal. 

Thank you, Mother. I appreciate what you’re doing. She rolled her eyes, then turned and walked off. 

Each day after dinner, his evenings were filled with discussion with some, or all of his companions, along with lots of hair brushing. He would then repeat the same process later in the evening with Eileen and Sureya. By the time Thursday rolled around, Random felt he had a detailed knowledge of how each of his companions, and his spouse, wanted their hair brushed and how each of them wished to be touched while he was brushing.

Random woke Thursday morning to find himself between Eileen and Sureya. Eileen, as usual, was sleeping with her head on Random’s arm, one arm draped over his chest, and one leg wrapped around one of his legs. Sureya lay on her side, with her head in Random’a armpit and her nose pressed against his side.

For a while, he watched each of them sleep. The last thing he wanted to do was to make them wake up, but he had to do it because he and they had a lot to do today. He leaned down and kissed Eileen on the forehead, saying quietly, Wake up Angel. We have a lot to do today.

Eileen replied groggily, without opening her eyes, I am awake. I was just enjoying some cuddle time with my spouse.

Random held her tightly with the arm that she was laying on. He asked quietly, Did you know that our little mouse is sharing our bed?

She slipped in next to me, but she kept waking me up, so I told her to go and snuggle up with you.

Oh. You did remember that we both sleep naked.

Yep. She doffed her sleep shirt before she got in. I sent her over because she has cold hands, You tend to sleep soundly, so I thought she would be less likely to wake you up. I’m not going to say a word about why you sleep soundly so often.

Thanks for that.

How is Rianna doing?

Her spirits seem to have greatly improved. She’s absolutely delighted that she was able to hold Carolyn when we were in the park.

Eileen sighed and said, Be nice to her over the next few days.

Why?

Don’t be thick, Randy.

What?

She was able to hold Carolyn, your child.

Oh.

So be nice to her.

I try to be nice to her all the time, but sometimes I just don’t know how.

Eileen sat up, kissed him soundly, and replied, I know, Darling. Wake your underarm bunny.

Right. Random looked down at Sureya. She hadn’t been there when he had fallen asleep, so she must have snuggled in sometime during the night without waking him. He could feel her nose, one of her hands, and her knees and lower legs pressed against his side and thought, Her hands aren’t cold.

Sureya yawned and replied, My hand is not cold because it has spent most of the night against your side, Ti-ar.

Good morning Suri. It’s time to get up. We have a lot to do today.

Yes, Ti-ar. I will go and take my shower now. Before he could respond or tell her that he wanted to take his shower first, Sureya was out of the bed, brazenly striding naked towards the bathroom.

While he watched Sureya, he felt Eileen get out of bed. He turned and then watched her quickly make her way to the bathroom. As she grasped the bathroom door handle, she said over her shoulder, What? We have to hurry this morning and we take longer to get ready than you do. Be a dear and fish out my black flats while I’m in the shower.

Random sighed and rolled out of bed. Finding Eileen’s flats wasn’t difficult, they were just about the only things remaining in the armoire. He placed them next to the clothes she had laid out for today. He noticed that Suri had also laid out her clothes for the day next to Eileen's.

He set the flats down by Eileen’s clothing. Opening the armoire again, he realized that Eileen had already left unpacked, something comfortable for him to wear for the journey. Hanging there was a well worn work uniform. Beneath it were underwear and socks, and a pair of trainers.

The armoire was now empty. After setting out his clothes, he started gathering up the dirty clothes and linen so that they could be packed and taken with. He had nearly completed the task when the bathroom door opened and Eileen stepped out in her robe.

She pointed at the clothing that was laid out for her and Sureya and said, Could you hand me those things?

He picked the women’s clothes and handed them to Eileen. It’s not like I haven’t seen both of you naked.

Do I dress in front of you when we’re alone?

Only when you have to.

Let Sureya and I have a little girl time. Ok?

Yes Ma’am.

Eileen grinned, stepped over and, with both arms filled, awkwardly kissed him on the cheek. Thanks Dearest. We’ll be done quickly.

You’re welcome Angel.

She vanished back into the bathroom and closed the door behind her. He could hear Eileen and Sureya laughing as he made sure that all the laundry was packed into a container. He was glad that they seemed to be enjoying one another’s company.

The laughter was interrupted by a very loud shriek. Random rushed over and flung open the door. He found both women sitting on the floor trying unsuccessfully to control a bout of giggles.

Somebody screamed.

Yes Dearest, Sureya screamed.

Why?

Sureya turned to face him with a somewhat indignant look on her face. She pointed to her nose and said, Because Lady Eileen did this. He noticed that the tip of her nose was bright red. Sureya noticed the look of consternation on his face and began giggling again.

Eileen said, It’s lip balm, Randy. It will come off.

He replied, We don’t really have time for this, Angel.

I know Randy, but before you get all angry with me for playing around, tell her she’s not allowed to try hiding my panties when we’re getting dressed.

He turned to Sureya. She looked down, but he could still see the impish grin on her face. She splashed me.

Random started to laugh softly and said, Fun is fun, . . . but let’s get ready to go, around his laughing.

He stepped out of the bathroom and closed the door. A few moments later, Eileen and Sureya stepped out of the bathroom, both looking comparatively prim and proper. Both of you look lovely. I’ve got to get a move on. We want o be airborn before oh-nine-thirty.

Eileen responded, You get in there then. I’ll have Miss Quick on Her Feet hang your uni on the bathroom door and place your underthings on the floor in front of it.

Random said, Thank you Angel, as he stepped into the bathroom for a hurried version of his morning routine.

When he stepped out of the shower, he noticed his uni hanging on the door and his other things on the floor beneath it.  As before, he couldn’t recall seeing or hearing the bathroom door open. It didn’t seem to be worth the headache of worrying about it, although he thought ‘Quick on Her Feet’ might be an understatement.

He dried off and put on the uni. As he was tying up the trainers, he heard Captain Thorn tell Eileen that breakfast was ready and it was time to go. Eileen responded, We’re just waiting for Random, Captain.

Thorn smiled, nodded and then closed the door.  Random stepped back into the room. You could have told her that the delay wasn’t entirely my fault.

Eileen laughed. Why trouble her with the details?

Random mumbled, Because now my Staff Officer thinks I’m a dolt.

Eileen sighed. I think that by now she has a fairly accurate view of your character. Telling her that we’re waiting for you isn’t going to change her opinion.

Random took her hand and then stepped to the outer door. Let’s get this on the road.

Random, Eileen, and Sureya stepped out into the Briefing Room. Random could see the dining table laid out with labeled packages. He didn’t see Captain Thorn, who was waiting for them beside the door. As Random was looking over the table, she said, I took the liberty of having finger food type breakfasts made up for each of us, sir, along with beverages in spill proof containers.

That’s a very good idea, Captain. I’m impressed with your initiative. Are we about ready to go?

She answered, Thank you, sir. As soon as everybody picks up their breakfast. I think they’re all waiting for you, sir.

Then I shouldn’t keep them waiting.

No sir.

He stepped over to the table and found the package with his name on it. Next to the package was a collection of three beverage containers, also with his name on them. He opened the package and smelled fresh biscuit, cooked sausage, and egg.

He set the package down and looked at the three beverage containers. One was designed to keep the contents warm, he guessed it contained coffee. The second looked very similar tho the first. He guessed it was being used to keep something cold like juice. The third container had a ring so that it could be attached to his belt. This he guessed was water.

He attached the water container, placed the cold beverage container in the leg pocket of his pants, and then picked up his breakfast package and the hot beverage container. When he looked up, he saw that all the breakfast packages and containers had been picked up.

He turned back to Captain Thorn and said, Have we accounted for everybody?

Yes sir. We should get moving. It’s going to take at least forty-five minutes to get to the airfield on the military base.

Then let’s roll.

Thorn said, Yes sir, and then turned and led the collection of Humans, Elorans, and Servi out into the compound to six by sixes that were waiting to transport them to the military base.

Once all the transports had been loaded, the caravan set out across the settlement. This time they headed west northwest. As they progressed through the settlement, heading west, Sureya got up on her knees so that she could see what the vehicle was passing.

Random could see and feel Sureya’s sense of wonderment. Are these dwellings, Ti-ar?

Yes, Little One, they are family homes. Only a few are inhabited. Most are still under construction.

Will we see more of these where we are going, Ti-ar?

Yes Suri, we will see more.

I would very much like to see the inside of one of those dwellings.

We don’t have time this morning, Little One, but I am fairly sure that we can arrange a visit at Rivadavia Station.

She said, I understand Ti-ar, with a smile.

Eileen said very quietly, Wait till she sees Savannah. Random smiled, but didn’t respond. 

The truck lurched as it rounded a corner a little too tightly and Sureya fell back on Random. He caught her before she tumbled off the seat. She didn’t try to struggle out of his arms and instead, settled back onto his lap, leaning against him and still facing the side of the vehicle.

Eileen reached up brushed Sureya’s cheek with her hand. I’m glad that you were not hurt, Suri.

She turned her head slightly to push her cheek into Eileen’s hand. Thank you, Lady Eileen. I think I am safe now.

I do too, Suri. 

Outside the settlement, a paved four lane road ran through the forest. Random could see that this was an old hardwood forest, but the trees were both familiar and unfamiliar. He was pretty sure that he could identify the hardwoods, but not the species.

Half an hour later, the convoy stopped at the top of a slope that separated the plain below, from the forest above. From his seat in the six by six, Random had a spectacular view of the military base laid out in front of him on the plains. He could also see that like the settlement, most of the structures on the base were still under construction.

He opened a secure channel on his telnet and contacted Colonel Elkins. Why are we stopping, Colonel?

Elkins answered cheerfully, The rains are starting sir. We’re trying to set up covered loading areas, so that we don’t have to unload and then load in the rain. Should be finished in a few minutes.

Thank you Colonel. I think we should keep on our toes, just in case. The aos entity warned me that there will be some kind of disturbance as we are leaving Ulrich.

I was thinking that too, sir. We’ve got all of our surveillance drones up and the Eloran, as well as the Servi, weapons skimmers are also overhead.

Thank you, Colonel. Keep me up to date on our progress, and any situations that develop.

Yes, sir. Gwen said you complimented her on her initiative this morning.

I did. She did a very good job of getting us all on the road this morning.

Thank you sir. I’ve been trying to tell her that you appreciate what she does.

I tell her that too.

I know, sir. We’ve been telling her that you’ve always said you were pleased with her work. She keeps telling that you’re just being polite.

Silliness.

She’s our partner, sir.

I’m not calling Gwen silly, Birgitte, and I didn’t intend to insult her, but she should know better by now.

I understand, sir. She can be a little difficult at times, but we still love her very much.

That much, I’m sure of. Honestly, I’ve found her to be more emotional than difficult. I think the pregnancy may be playing havoc with her hormones and emotions.

I’ll defer to you on that one, sir. You have far more experience living with pregnant females than I do.

That may be. Shall we get back to business?

Yes sir. The ground crew says that they’re ready.

Then let’s get going.

I’ve already given the order sir.

Random felt the truck start up and a few seconds later, lurch into motion as it took its place in the convoy. By the time they reached the tarmac, the rain was pelting down. Even with covered loading areas, they were still likely to get soaked as they loaded up and boarded the Regiment’s heliplanes.

The six by six pulled up next to a Merlin. The truck was sheltered from the rain by a canvas awning. The heliplane was pulled as close to the awning as possible, but there was still a short uncovered walk to the heli’s loading bay.

Random and the rest of the entourage traveling with him disembarked from the six by six and waited, under the awning. He scanned the group, looking for Captain Thorn. She noticed him scanning the crowd, dropped what she was doing and walked over to him.

As she approached, Random said, Just the person I was looking for.

I thought so, sir. I was making sure that all of our personal gear got transferred to the Merlin.

That’s what I wanted to know. When all our gear has been loaded, let’s mount up.

Yes sir. Captain MacPherson wanted to know if you would be joining him at the flight controls.

Tell him I’ll be up there, once everyone is loaded.

Yes sir. Thorn went back to making sure that the group’s personal gear was securely loaded onto the heliplane. When the gear was loaded and stowed, she returned to the six by six to make sure that nothing had been left behind. 

When she was satisfied that everything was stowed, she began sending people to board the aircraft, one or two at a time. The process was slow, but it prevented people from getting soaked when they bunched up in front of the loading bay.

Finally, it was Random’s, Sureya’s, and Eileen’s turn to board the heli.

Random stepped up into the landing bay and then turned around to help Eileen and Sureya board. Eileen took his hand and easily stepped up into the bay. Sureya had not needed his help, she simply hopped up into the bay and waited.

He led them to the front of the heli, directly behind the cockpit. Take these seats and save one for me.

Eileen replied, Do you plan on riding in the cockpit?

Yes.

That’s good. You haven’t logged any flight time since we arrived on Ulrich.

No, and precious little during our voyage down from Savannah.

Alright. Suri and I will keep a seat warm for you.

Thanks, Angel.

Suri commented, But Lady Eileen. I want to sit with Ti-ar.

Random replied, The cockpit is only designed to seat two, Little One.

I am small.

He could see tears welling in her eyes. Come up front with me. You can stay in the cockpit until we lift off.

She sniffed and replied, Thank you Ti-ar. 

Eileen touched Sureya’s shoulder and said, He’s a soldier and a pilot, Suri. Let him do what he needs to do. We’ll be safe back here, and if you need to, I’ll let you sit in my lap and hold you.

Thank you Lady Eileen. I would like that. I will be back when Ti-ar tells me.

Eileen smiled. Alright Suri. Don’t get in his way up there.

I will not interfere, Lady Eileen.

Good. Randy, let’s hope we don’t need any heroics today.

I’ll second that, Angel.

He turned and stepped into the cockpit area. It was larger than his C/E heli which was designed to seat two, but it wasn’t spacious. Definitely less room that the Chinook that he’d last flown.

He took the copilot’s seat and motioned for Sureya to squeeze in next to him. Sureya looked at the seat skeptically. I do not believe I am that small, Ti-ar. I will just kneel here on the floor next to you.

You’ll be kneeling right on top of the throttle controls and it will be very difficult for Captain MacPherson to climb over you and get to his seat.

I will move when he needs to be seated, and I will go back to Lady Eileen when he needs the throttle controls, Ti-ar.

Ok.

Just as he finished saying that, he heard MacPherson’s voice. Well now. Who is this beautiful little thing?

Random answered, It’s good to see you again, Captain. This beautiful little thing is Sureya il Pan. Captain MacPherson, I would like you to meet Sureya il Pan. Sureya il Pan, I would like you to meet Captain Jacob MacPherson.

MacPherson looked Sureya up and down before saying enthusiastically, Greetings Goodwoman il Pan. I am pleased to meet you.

Sureya replied a little less enthusiastically, Greetings Captain MacPherson. I am pleased to meet you as well.

MacPherson turned to Random. She’s a Servi, right?

Yes Captain. She is Servi.

But she’s so small.

Her people had to adapt to a limited space environment.

So small was good.

Exactly.

MacPherson turned back to Sureya. I’ll need you to move so that I can take my seat, and you’ll have to go back to the seats when we get ready to lift off.

Yes Captain. Ti-ar has informed me of that. She stood up and sat in Random’s lap while MacPherson clambered into his seat. When he was buckled in, she returned to her kneeling position, next to Random. 

Random and MacPherson began their preflight systems checks. MacPherson gently nudged Sureya forward a little and checked the throttle functions. Sureya looked up at Random and said, is it time for me to go, Ti-ar?

Even though she was asking if it were time for her to go, Random could tell that she wanted him to tell her she could stay. Soon, Suri. For now, come and sit in my lap, so that Captain MacPherson can do a quick visual scan of the heli.

Sureya answered happily, Yes, Ti-ar, and then climbed onto his lap.

When Sureya was seated, MacPherson engaged the Tesla Turbine, stood and said, I’ll leave you two alone for a bit while I go and give this bird a once over.

Random replied, Thank you Captain.  MacPherson just shook his head and then left the cockpit. As he left, Sureya said, I do not believe that I like that man, Ti-ar.

You’re allowed not to like him, Suri, as long as you remember to be polite.

Even if he is not polite to me?

Even so.

Sureya exhaled and said, Yes, Ti-ar. Instead of replying, Random kissed her and then held her to him. She snuggled in a little closer and said, Mmmmm . . . Very well, Ti-ar. I can be polite.

All too soon, MacPherson returned from his visual scan of the heliplane. When he was seated and buckled in, he turned to Random and said, The  Colonel says that we’re ready to go, sir.

Thank you Captain. He leaned his forehead against Sureya’s and said, It’s time for you to go and sit with Lady Eileen, Little One.

She sniffed and said, Yes, Ti-ar, before climbing off of his lap and then exiting the cockpit.

After watching Sureya leave, MacPherson shook his head and said, How do you do it, sir?

Do what, Captain?

Keep all of them happy.

That’s a simple answer. I don’t. We spend an awful lot of time talking, hand holding, and cuddling.

MacPherson looked at Random, and then leaned back and looked into the heli’s main compartment. He looked back at Random and shook his head. They may be beautiful, but I’m glad I don’t have to deal with them all.

It has its challenges and it’s rewards, Captain.

If you say so, sir. Are we ready to lift off?

Fire this thing up and let’s get rolling.

Yes, sir!

MacPherson listened to the Turbine for a moment before engaging the electric motors. The overhead blade began to spin. The blade accelerated quickly, and within moments, was generating enough lift for MacPherson to take off.

Once airborne, Random could see that they were at the end of a formation of Chinooks, Merlins, and Lynx’s. As the Merlin began to make its way westward, MacPherson engaged the propfans, rapidly increasing the aircraft’s acceleration.

The flight westward, through the rain, was uneventful. Random and MacPherson alternated piloting the aircraft to knock off a little of the rust Random had accumulated. A little over an hour later, with MacPherson piloting, the Merlin touched down at the Ulrich – Echo World flashover’s landing field. MacPherson switched off the electric motors and the propfans, but left the Tesla Turbine running.

Random checked the time. They were about a half hour from the flashover’s active period. MacPherson unbuckled and said, I’m going to talk with a couple of the other pilots, sir. We’re going to have to be working together, if we’re expecting trouble.

That would be wise, Captain. MacPherson nodded and looked back into the main compartment. Random saw where he was looking and said, I’ll let her know that she can come and sit with me while we wait.

MacPherson grinned and replied, She looks awfully comfortable sitting with Miss Eileen, sir.

I’m sure she does. MacPherson exited the cockpit. When he was gone, Random said, Suri, we have a half hour wait before the flashover is open. You can come and sit with me while we wait.

Sureya replied, hesitantly, Yes, Ti-ar.

Would you rather stay with Eileen?

She is holding me and singing to me, Ti-ar. I find it very comforting.

Then you stay with her for now.

Yes, Ti-ar.

Random was glad that Sureya felt comfortable staying with Eileen. Even so, he couldn’t shake the feeling  that something was missing. He unbuckled, climbed out of his seat, and went back into the main compartment.

As he sat down nest to Eileen, she touched a finger to her lips, indicating that he should be quiet. She said quietly, She’s sleeping.

He answered quietly, Wow! I don’t think I’ve ever seen her fall asleep in the middle of the day before.

She’s feeling a little stressed.

Why?

She thinks she’s inadequate as a mate.

Because we’re not being intimate?

Yes.

Does she wish to be released?

No. Absolutely not.

So what do I do?

I don’t know, Randy. The obvious answer would be to be intimate with her, but somehow that doesn’t seem to be the right solution.

Yeah. Going from nothing to 80 klicks seems a little abrupt.

Exactly. Perhaps it’s time to ask Rianna and your mother for advice.

Rianna?

She may not have any more experience in dealing with complex relationships than we do, but she’s very, very smart. She’s also totally devoted to you.

Maybe, but I think it would be a painful subject for her. What about Mom?

She’s your mother, and becoming more like a human mother every day. She will do everything she can to help you solve the puzzle, as would Ophelia if you asked her.

All true, but Mother probably has less experience dealing with romantic relationships than I do. Ophelia has enough on her plate as it is.

She does, but she would also find a way to help you.

I’ll keep that in mind.

Good. Did you come out here to chat or to check on Sureya?

Both. When she told me she wanted to stay with you, I had this feeling of loss that won’t go away.

Believe it or not, I think I can feel it too. Do we need to do something about it?

I think so, Angel, but first we need to find out what exactly is going on.

Sounds like another conversation with the aos entity.

Do you mean Dave?

Yes. I mean Dave. 

I’ll see if I can contact him this evening, when we’ve finished moving.

That sounds good, Randy. In the meantime, let her know that you’re happy that she and I are getting along, but that you miss her company when she’s not with you.

I miss your company when you can’t be with me, Angel.

I love you Randy, and no matter how whacked out this all gets, I will still love you. Instead of replying, he leaned forward and kissed her. Eileen pulled away and said with a stern voice, Now stop that. You’re going top wake her up.

Even though she sounded stern, he could see the smile on her face and in her eyes. He said, as he sat down next her, Alright. I’ll behave myself. He watched Eileen and Sureya for a while, but with Sureya already asleep and Eileen drifting off. He began to daydream.

He found himself floating above the Echo World side of the Ulrich – Echo World flashover. He watched as a rocket attack was launched from south of the flashover, Because the unit manning the Echo World side of the flashover was on full alert, they were able to flame the incoming rockets and launch a counter battery attack.

The artillery duel was over almost before it started, and as Dave had indicated, the flashover had never been in actual danger. Why did they waste resources on such a low probability attack?

The aos entity, Dave, responded, I can not say with any certainty General Hause, but I do not believe they had a great deal of faith in this attack’s success.

They’re after Ulrich.

I believe so as well. A few minutes ago Goodman Olvir reported disabling an unidentified craft.

Spacecraft or terrestrial?

Extraplanetary. Consul ul Ter has just confirmed capture of a cloaked cruiser class spacecraft.

Crew?

A mixture of renegade Servi and humans.

Servi and humans working together?

I would not have thought so, but yes.

Where did the humans come from?

Earth, I would think.

This makes no sense. The Servi don’t have an active presence on Earth.

Oh, but it does, as you are well aware, our enemies have surrogates.

Do we know anything else about this spacecraft?

Yes. The craft was operated by the renegades attacking the Pan. I believe they felt that Ulrich would be undefended after your departure.

But I haven’t left Ulrich.

Perhaps they were misinformed.

What led them to believe that Ulrich would be undefended?

Goodwoman Ophelia hacked their communications channels a few days ago, and together, she and I, fed the renegades misleading information.

You led me to believe that you couldn’t take direct action, Dave.

At the time, I believed such was the case, but I have later discovered that that directive has been compromised many times without dire consequences. Besides, I did not take any direct actions. Goodwoman Ophelia took all the noticeable actions.

Sounds like semantics, Dave.

Perhaps. You had a question about my, now your Sureya?

Yes. She feels inadequate as a mate, largely because we have not been intimate. I don’t think that just rolling her in the hay will solve the problem.

’Rolling her in the hay’ is an old euphemism but I know its meaning. I would suggest that you become more intimate with her, but proceed gradually. Eventually, you will likely have to decide whether or not to include her in your complicated marital arrangement.

And the other companions?

To one degree or another, you will have to complete a similar process with each of them.

You said to one degree or another.

Yes. You will have to treat each of them separately, according to their wants and needs.

Rianna?

Even lovely Rianna. She needs frequent reassurance that she is an important part of your life.

What about you?

What can I say? We are linked. I will try to allow you freedom to act, but I will almost certainly continue to be involved.

Thank you, Dave. I think I’m happy that you were on my side. Let me know if there’s anything else I should be aware of.

I will do that, General Hause. You should get back. Your spouse and pilot are trying to wake you.

Random awoke to find Eileen, MacPherson, and Sureya looking at him anxiously. He smiled and said, Sorry about that. I was having a little chat with Dave.

MacPherson looked puzzled and said, Dave?

Don’t worry about it. Is it time to pass through the flashover?

Yes sir. We’ve received notification that there was some kind of dust up on the other side, but it’s over now.

Believe it or not, I think I watched it happen.

How, sir?

Let’s just get through the flashover, Captain. The less time we use getting to Rivadavia, the better.

Yes sir.

Random went to get up but Eileen caught his sleeve. Are you going to tell me about your chat with Dave?

When we get to Rivadavia, Angel.

Alright. She studied his face for a moment and then said, What’s wrong, Randy?

Olvir disabled a space craft trying to sneak inside Ulrich’s defenses.

Whose craft was it?

The craft was operated by the same group of renegade Servi that have been attacking Sureya’s people. It had a mixed Servi and human crew.

Alright, Randy. Get us to Rivadavia. We can talk about this some more, there.

He hugged Eileen and kissed her, then he turned to face Sureya and stopped. Her face had lost all of its usual color and her mouth was open in what looked like a silent scream. She looked at him and he could see and feel her fighting the urge to flee. Come here Suri. It’s over for the time being. They aren’t coming after us any more. She stumbled forward, into his arms. He held her tightly and said softly